Michael Satterfield
The XJ13 prototype was designed to return Jaguar to the glory days of the 1950s where the marque took home five wins at Le Mans, but the XJ13 would never be put to the test on the Circuit de la Sarthe. Powered by a brand new quad-cam V12, the XJ13 was Jaguar’s first mid-engine car and many have wondered what would have happened if the factory continued to develop it for Le Mans.
While development stopped on the XJ13 in 1966, the team at Ecurie Ecosse wondered what would have happened if the XJ13 lived on, to be tuned by the famous Scottish racing team, who had already won Le Mans twice for Jaguar. We no longer have to wonder what might have been, because Ecurie Ecosse today has built the car their predecessors never had the chance to, the LM69.
The LM69 benefits from innovations that appeared during that exciting era. Composite materials have been used, it’s lighter than the original car, and it boasts experimental aerodynamic devices, wider wheels and tires, and a much-improved engine. Only 25 of the fully road legal cars will be produced, in keeping with the 1969 FIA homologation requirements for running prototypes at Le Mans of over 3000cc and to maintain its exclusivity.
If you happen to be in the UK for the NEC Lancaster Classic Motor Show on November 8-10th, 2019 the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust have assembled a fantastic line-up of four cars including the LM69. This is a great opportunity to meet the team and see this new, exciting car that celebrates the legacy of the XJ13 and the work of Norman Dewis, on the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club stand.
For further information visit: www.ecuriecars.com
